We Shall Overcome: MLK, Jr. Commemorative Concert

We Shall Overcome: An MLK, Jr. Commemorative Concert.

Sunday, January 19th, 2025 4 pm - 6 pm at City Hall Arts Center, Montpelier

Montpelier Chamber Orchestra, in collaboration with Montpelier Community Gospel Choir and Shidaa Projects, presents a MLK, Jr. commemorative concert on January 19th, 2025 in downtown Montpelier at the City Hall Arts Center from 4-6 pm. This is the only event of its kind in Montpelier, and the effort will establish an event for years to come. The goal of the event is to honor the work of Dr. King and celebrate his legacy through the arts. We will showcase songs and compositions by African American artists, enjoy Ghana dance and drumming, and feature BIPOC musicians, dancers, and singers on the stage, with special musical guest Michael Arnowitt. Join us for a grounding and uplifting experience, including a community sing along, energizing dance and drumming, world class music, interspersed with stories of African American history and social justice. The event will be livestreamed by ORCA media to those who can not attend in person.  

Sponsors include: Montpelier Alive, Lost Nation Theater, TURNmusic, Front Four Gallery, Paul Perley Cellos

The program will include:

- Fifty-five performers presenting various artistic works over 2 hours.

- Montpelier Community Gospel Choir singing songs of the civil rights movement.

- Shidaa Projects performing West African-style dancing and drumming featuring International award winning Samuel Maama Marquaye accompanied by the Shidaa drumming team led by Artistic Director Jordan Mensah.

- Montpelier Chamber Orchestra strings playing the works of African American composers, including Matthew Evan Taylor and Florence Price.

- Michael Arnowitt, pianist, performing the works of African American composers, civil rights music, as well as a piece he composed in honor of George Floyd. 

- Reverend Joan Javier Duval leading a grounding invocation and sharing her legacy tour experience.

- Verdis LeVar Robinson serving as Master of Ceremonies, with a background as both a Universalist Unitarian Minister and a professor of African American studies.

The event will be ticketed, with adult tickets at $20, senior tickets at $15 and the first 50 youth tickets sold are free (children 18 and under). There is not currently a working elevator at City Hall Arts Center. The event will be livestreamed to accommodate those who can not manage the steep steps. Llivestream provided by ORCA Media.

Sponsors include: Montpelier Alive, Lost Nation Theater, TURNmusic, Front Four Gallery, Paul Perley Cellos, Cold Hollow Cider Mill